Regardless of personal differences, complete strangers can probably bond over their hatred of mosquitoes. It’s understandable! Not only are they annoying, but they’re actually considered the most deadly animal on the planet. The long list of diseases caused by mosquitoes is a testament to how deadly they can be; however, a world without mosquitoes isn’t as perfect as it may seem. Keep reading for more on the dangers and benefits of mosquitoes, how we’ve controlled mosquitoes in the past, current mosquito prevention techniques, and pest control in Pensacola.
What Is The Purpose Of Mosquitoes?
Yes, a world without mosquitoes sounds like paradise. After all, what good are they to anyone? Well, unbeknownst to many, mosquitoes actually have several important roles in our ecosystem, including as pollinators.
Our favorite pollinators, the bees, are on the brink of extinction. This means we can’t afford to be picky about who is pollinating for us and keeping our plant life thriving and diverse. What many don’t know is that there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes and only a few of them prey on humans. For the most part, these little insects prefer nectar.
Another important role that mosquitoes play is being food to many other animals, including birds, turtles, bats, frogs, fish, spiders, and more. If mosquitoes were to suddenly go extinct, many of our more favored animals would suffer and perhaps die out, resulting in cataclysmic changes to the food chain.
A Brief History Of Mosquito Control
How we get rid of mosquitoes has developed over the years to become more efficient and less dangerous.
From kerosene to government experiments to Paris green, the US was searching for a way to control mosquitoes at the turn of the century.
In the mid-1900s, Switzerland developed DDT which became instantly successful in beating back waves of mosquitoes and controlling the spread of malaria. However, it became evident that it brought severe side effects, including liver damage.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that over-the-counter products like OFF became available. In recent years, as mosquitoes developed a resistance to insecticides, there have even been genetically modified mosquitoes, and the elephant mosquito (a mosquito that eats other mosquitoes) was released to control dangerous mosquito populations.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Can Transmit
For years, we’ve been desperate to find a way to control different mosquitoes that are particularly dangerous to us because of their disease-spreading capabilities.
On the list of diseases caused by mosquitoes are recognizable names like West Nile virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, malaria, and chikungunya fever. While many of these diseases don’t have a major presence in the United States, different mosquitoes common in areas like Pensacola can still transmit life-threatening viruses.
Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard
Finding a balance between mosquito control, environmental protection, and human health is always going to be tricky. Thankfully, there are natural ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard, including using plants that repel mosquitoes in Florida.
Plants that repel mosquitoes in Florida include citronella, lavender, basil, catnip, rosemary, mint, sage, and marigolds, among other strong-smelling, beautiful additions to your backyard garden.
If you’re having trouble keeping them away using natural methods, you can call EnSec of Florida to help you assess the risks around your home that are attracting mosquitoes. Simply getting rid of standing water and maintaining your yard can go a long way. However, EnSec of Florida can also help you to get immediate relief and get rid of mosquitoes all around your home with larvicide or customized treatment. Call EnSec of Florida today for a free estimate, today.